Search Results for 'pancreatitis'

Dog Food Advisor Forums Search Search Results for 'pancreatitis'

Viewing 49 results - 851 through 899 (of 899 total)
  • Author
    Search Results
  • #14338
    thesamster
    Participant

    I have a 9 year old lab mix who had pancreatitis in the past.
    The vet suggested low fat high fiber diet.
    We have him on Hills Science diet large breed light dry but want something with better ingredients.
    Open to suggestions-
    thanks

    PennyLanesmom-

    She has taken xanax her entire life? I have dealt with many dogs that have had separation anxiety etc, and it truly does not need to be a lifetime issue. You need to work on desensitizing her to your leaving. I am not a fan of meds for it when consistent/persistent work can stop the problem for most dogs.

    PennyLanesMom
    Participant

    Hello All,
    Our 6 year old Jack Russell Terrier, Penny Lane has always been anxious. She has particularly bad separation anxiety and has taken generic xanax .25mg her entire life when we leave her at home while we go to the store or out for a bit.
    In December she had her first known attack of pancreatitis – we changed her food to the Iams Vet Prescription and she was put on medication/probiotics for two weeks – then was retested.
    At the retest her pancreatitis was completely gone.
    We reintroduced her to old food slowly and tried to put her back on it but she had a relapse in January and had to go back on Vet Prescription food. She is now on Royal Canin Vet Prescription Gastrointestinal Low 20 and is doing great. She feels so much better and is almost at goal weight.
    We took her back today (February 15) for a lab check and everything is perfect with the exception of her still having a lot anxiety – and the Vet feels that can put unnecessary stress on her pancreas. He suggested we try Anxitane S for her generalized anxiety.
    I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this and had any information or suggestions.
    Any input would be helpful.
    Thanks so much.
    – Love,
    A worried dog mommy

    #13392

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    pugmomsandy
    Participant

    here is a link. I haven’t investigated it.

    http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/index.htm#What_diseases_has_it_been_useful_for

    quotes:

    I encourage you to discuss off-label use of naltrexone with your MD or veterinarian; consider printing some overview info from a web site that you’ve looked at, and take the copy to them. Be prepared for blank looks and then anything from mild interest to concern to outright resistance. This use of LDN is NOT well known; there’s no significant money behind it. Using LDN is spreading based mostly on word-of-mouth suggestions like mine. There are NO large, long-term, double-blind published clinical trials proving anything about the efficacy of LDN, because there’s not enough future profit. The availability of the 50mg tablets at current low prices (under roughly 6 different brand names) makes it impossible to recover the huge cost of such trials at 1/10th that existing dosage. Thus, existing trials are small and slow to be funded. You’ll have to rely on things like the Yahoo groups and web sites you find, and be willing to trust people talking about their own personal experiences. I don’t need trials to affirm what I’ve seen with my own eyes and what others report about their direct personal experiences. Do your reading; get comfortable at your own level of research; THEN take that background with you to speak with your (or your pet’s) health professionals.

    From the woman I quoted in November:
    “We use it especially with our geriatric dogs like Buck at 17 and Blessed at 12. A dog that is Silken sized [note: Silken Windhounds range 25-50 lbs from smallish females to oversized males] uses 1/3 to 1/2 mg per day. It comes in 50 mg pills for about $9, so it runs less than $9 per month [one 50mg pill provides 100 doses at 1/2mg nightly]. You can find info on how to dissolve the pill here (only dissolve 1/2 of a pill at a time

    Sebaceous Adenitis is an auto-immune problem. Here’s information from a woman I know, about the off-label use of a drug called naltrexone. In its off-label usage, it’s referred to as “low-dose naltrexone” or just by the initials LDN. This is based on the ability of this drug to boost the immune system when taken at doses lower than 10% of the official FDA-approved use. Here’s info from one of this woman’s recent posts, in which she recommends someone consider LDN for her dog’s severe allergy problems (since allergies are now understood to be an auto-immune problem).

    ***quote***
    … It is possible to strengthen the immune system easily and cheaply with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).

    Chuck was deathly allergic to poison ivy, to the point of nearly being
    hospitalized at the thought of it. He started LDN on May 1, 2009 just to accompany me in taking it for my multiple sclerosis, but found that by the next summer, he could play in poison ivy with no reaction at all.

    My Mom has been severely lactose intolerant all of her adult life. She takes the LDN for her Crohn’s, but finds now that if she goofs up and has some cheese or ice cream, there is no problem. As an aside, my MS and her Crohn’s are totally under control, too.
    [Side Note: I met this woman during the time she followed all the rules for managing MS–she lost significant memory function, was completely debilitated by heat, and was losing physical control of her body. When forced to give up all the best drug therapies available (due to loss of insurance) she learned about LDN. With NO other therapy, just a single daily dose of LDN has restored her to the point that you can’t see any outward signs that she ever had MS to begin with! She’s not cured by any means, but her body is fighting the MS much more effectively. The result: instead of getting worse and worse every year like when she took the costly but officially approved drugs, this woman’s health has actually been *restored.* She got her body, her memory, her very life back!]

    #13388

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    Thanks Sandy! I have written it down to investigate later today once the storm starts here. I have to say, not only does he continue to improve physically, but mentally as well. He is much happier now that he can use his legs : ) I am a big proponent of trying something that may have a chance of working, whether or not its considered “approved use”.

    #13385

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    pugmomsandy
    Participant

    MelissaAndCrew & Aimee,

    There is talk on other message boards about the off label use of Naltrexone. Low dose naltrexone (LDN). Just posting if anyone is interested. Testimonials report that it is helping people and their pets.

    #13339

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    aimee
    Participant

    Melissa,

    WOW, what an amazing story! I hope your guy continues to recover. As you said we will never know what role any drug played in the recovery, or if they even played a role at all. I’m just glad he is doing better. If my comment somehow played a part in his recovery that’s awesome!

    #13269

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    Hi Aimee-

    Could be-I was unaware of all the potential applications for Cerenia and I Thank You for posting this. You see, often times we drift off topic and make comments that are unrelated directly to the topic at hand, and never know or realize the ramifications of that off handed comment, both good or bad.

    Approx 2 weeks ago, we woke up to find one of our dogs was neurological in the back end-by the time the vet finished the exam, he could not stand at all. Since he was fine the night before, we can only assume that he may have slipped off the couch during the night, or slipped on the tile etc. Due to his intractable(aggressive nature) with anyone but myself, he was ruled out as a back surgery candidate-he would not tolerate the handling etc even if surgery would have worked. After a week on Pred twice a day and muscle relaxers, he was still scooting around and while he would compensate with his front end , we were starting to look into carts. I read what you posted, investigated and thought “It may be a Hail Mary play, but I have nothing to lose and neither does he” I am on my way shortly to pick up more Cerenia. Today will be Day #5. In 5 days, he has progressed by leaps and bounds. He has gone from a dog who could not use his back end-scooted to be mobile, lifted himself to a standing position by bearing weight on the front half-then legs would give out and he would fall over, to a dog who can walk. Don’t get me wrong, he is far from 100 percent, and may never be 100 percent. BUT, he can move all 4 feet independently, is aware when he is toe dragging and self correct. This morning, he actually used one of his legs to scratch his ear-something we thought we would never see.

    Could it be coincidence since he is still on the Pred and could it actually be the Pred starting to work? Could be, but I don’t think so. He has been on 1 tab a day for the past week, and typically you get the “best results that it will be” when given at the higher dose. The amount of progress in these 5 days has been amazing. Had you not mentioned that snippet about Cerenia, I never would have thought of it as an “off label application”, never would have asked my vet to look into the option, and he may not have been walking today.

    #12854

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    amydunn19
    Participant

    My dog’ s attacks seem to start with vomiting so that is when I use Cerenia. I typically don’t use the metro unless she has diarrhea. Anything I treat her with is always cleared through my vet and was actually his idea. If it saves me an emergency vet visit, I am for it. As far as Tramadol, I use a small amount of a pill if she is acting painful which also usually accompanies her pancreatitis attacks.

    I don’t use probiotics – it may have benefit but due to her diabetes, I just don’t give her anything extra that might affect her sugar.

    #12840

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    aimee
    Participant

    Hi Mellisaandcrew,

    I found this on Cerenia : “Cerenia is labeled only for treatment of nausea and vomiting, but can potentially be used extra-label for pain, inflammation, GI disturbances, allergies and immune diseases, bladder inflammation, CNS and spinal cord injury, and mast cell diseases.”
    http://thelearningvet.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/what-i-couldnt-live-without-cerenia/

    Maybe it is of benefit as an anti inflammatory early in the course of pancreatic inflammation ?????

    #12837

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    Hi Amy-

    While Cerenia and Tramadol are part of the treatment program for a bout of pancreatitis, I am confused at the reasoning of why to give them at the start of an attack to head it off. Cerenia stops vomiting and Tramadol is for pain. Metronidazole is the typical treatment for the stomach/intestines. At the first sign of a problem, or if ours got something she should not have, she was given metronidazole immediately and would not develop the pancreatitis attack.

    PennyLanesMom
    Participant

    Any thoughts or experiences?

    #12832

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    PennyLanesMom
    Participant

    Thank you for taking the time to reply – I appreciate any advice anyone can give.

    #12831

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    PennyLanesMom
    Participant

    Hi Amydunn19
    Oh your poor dog taking on a copperhead. I think it was a mixture of feeding our JRT small bites of people food ALL the time, raw hide bones, and predisone for allergies. Our Vet will do anything he can to help. I will ask him about your suggestions. Our JRT is on pepcid right now and I plan to keep her on it for a little while longer – I don’t want her to relapse again. She has been on medication twice as long this time. Have you ever used the Purina FortiFlora probiotics with your JRT? They were given to ours both times and I don’t know if I trust them. They have a 12% fat content and it just worries me a little. Would love to know any feed back.
    Thanks so much 🙂

    #12771

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    amydunn19
    Participant

    I, too, have a Jack Russell who is diabetic and has had several severe bouts of pancreatitis. We almost lost her to pancreatitis after she was bitten by a copperhead. Imagine a JRT taking on a snake – their tenacity certainly can be their downfall. Anyway, for the longest time, I had her on Pepcid with her meals at the suggestion of my vet. Also, I have used Cerenia and Tramadol (prescriptions from vet) immediately when the symptoms started and headed off a full blown attack. If your vet is willing to give you some of those to have on hand at home, that would be a wonderful thing. Something to watch for is steroids and Rimadyl – my dog reacts violently to these. I don’t know if that has anything to do with pancreatitis but both set off some pretty bad bouts with it.

    #12769

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    PennyLanesMom
    Participant

    Thank you Melissaandcrew for your information.
    We are currently using Royal Canin Intestinal Low Fat 20
    We really like how our dog is doing on it. She has completely recovered from pancreatitis once again. I’m never putting her on anything else. She loves the food and it keeps her healthy –
    I’m glad to hear your dogs are doing well.
    I was curious to find out if anyone used any supplements or probiotics for their dogs with pancreatitis.

    #12754

    In reply to: Pancreatitis Recovery

    Hi PennyLanesMom-

    Yes, yes and yes. : ) I have mini schnauzers who are genetically predisposed to pancreatitis. Most of them can eat a food with a fat content up to 15 or 16 percent now, but I did have one that could not go over 10 or 12 percent. Unfortunately, each dog’s limitations for fat is different. My girl did well on Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy weight-its grain free and if I recall, about 10 percent fat. She could also indulge in the occasional serving of Grandma Lucy’s pureformance chicken(dehydrated food) as well as lower fat canned as a topper. She was a severe case and if she so much as got a few nuggets of a food she should not have, she would start with symptoms within 24 hrs.

    #12748
    PennyLanesMom
    Participant

    Does anyone have a dog that had a pancreatitis attack and has since recovered?
    If so what have you done to keep your dog from having a recurring attack.
    Our 6 year old Jack Russell Terrier had a mild attack on December 24 from eating a high fat meal at my Mother’s house while I was away visiting other family members.
    Our dog recovered within one week and then was started back on her normal dog food.
    A month later she began to show some symptoms of diarrhea and 1 vomit.
    Needless to say we rushed her back to the vet and sure enough her pancreatitis test was abnormal.
    She was put back on the treatment she was given on December 24 but now was told to stay on a Low Fat Diet the rest of her life.
    Was wondering if anyone else has faced this?
    Thanks so much.

    #12746
    pugmomsandy
    Participant
    #12681
    Hound Dog Mom
    Participant

    Hi bella5255 –

    If your dog is in the early stages of renal failure he shouldn’t need a reduced-protein diet. You don’t want to reduce the protein levels until the final stages of renal failure (when your dog is uremic – BUN is over 80 mg/dL, creatinine is over 4 mg/dL and the dogs is starting to show clinical symptoms of nitrogen buildup). The high quality protein provided by a homemade diet will not be hard on the kidneys in the way that low quality rendered proteins in most kibbles would be and is fine for dogs that have not yet become uremic – reducing the protein levels during the early stages of kidney failure will do more harm than good. I would just feed a standard balanced homemade diet and use very lean meats. Fish oil has has shown to help with kidney disease – because your dog has pancreatitis though, don’t give too much. Glandular supplements can help – Standard Process makes a great supplement called “Canine Renal Support.” Another supplement that I see recommended frequently for dogs with renal failure is “Vetri-Science Renal Essentials” – it contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs shown to be beneficial for dogs with renal failure. Here’s a link with some good info: http://dogaware.com/health/kidney.html (there’s even some sample homemade diets for dogs with kidney failure here).

    #12669

    In reply to: Diet and Diabetes

    amydunn19
    Participant

    The fact that you have worked with human diabetics and you are a diabetic and have counseled dog guardians(whatever that means) doesn’t really mean alot for this particular person who is facing Cushings and Diabetes with a vet who doesn’t even specialize in dogs. Do not tell me I am unwilling or unable to provide the care my diabetic dog needs – she was diagnosed over five years ago and she is doing great. What are the statistics of the dogs you have worked with? You are making vague statements of your accomplishments but no real hard data to back it up. How many of those dogs had Cushings, and pancreatitis? You recommended high protein and high fat food to these dogs and that worked? If you have this information, share it specifically. This is the danger in this kind of forum and not at all what I thought it was supposed to be. It is one thing to get on and talk food and ingredients but when you make suggestions for people whose dogs are in life-threatening situations and you suggest taking actions that go against everything that is out there from real experts in dog diabetes( not experts in reading labels and studying ingredients), I have to call BS.

    Kristi – please find a canine cushings forum to help you with some of your questions. These people are living with your situation every day.

    #12626

    In reply to: Diet and Diabetes

    amydunn19
    Participant

    James- Although I respect that you are successfully managing your diabetes, dogs are different than humans and I think your suggestions are questionable for someone who doesn’t have a vet well-versed in diabetes. First of all, nph insulin most closely resembles the insulin dogs naturally produce which is different from humans. Most dogs are well maintained on this type of insulin and are not”impossible” to control at all. The short acting insulin(R) is sometimes needed for dogs that have insulin resistance but this dog has not had enough time to be regulated and to determine if resistance is the issue. Regardless of the insulin, diabetic dogs should be fed the same amount at the same time every day. To imply anything else is ridiculous. People who have had long term success managing their dog’s disease live by this principle. As far as food goes, a variety of different diets have been proven to work well for a diabetic dog but with Cushings (or pancreatitis like my dog) , a high fat diet is not recommended. A diet with “cheap” carbs is, of course, not good either. I prefer a food like Nutrisca because there is no potato or tapioca or rice or grain and my dog (dx five years now) thrives on it like no other food. Complex carbs work well with the nph insulin and they are necessary to have stable glucose levels throughout the day. There is an excellent article in the Whole Dog Journal which addresses diabetic diets and includes case studies of many dogs on a wide range of diets- raw, commercial, prescription, home-cooked and the success stories of those dogs. Diabetes is not a one size fits all with dogs and many times, you can analyze foods and labels and ingredients until you are blue in the face but you don’t get the results that you should. Personally, I think there are so many factors – metabolism, age, stress, infection or disease, etc that factor in.

    #12451
    Hound Dog Mom
    Participant

    What type of stones did your dog have?

    asmit49
    Participant

    Our Min Pin Bandi, 8 years old. He was on Prescription Diet W/D his whole life. Never had health issues until he was diagnosed with bladder stones about 3 years ago. He had the surgery to remove them and turns out they were the kind that can be treated with the right kind of food, so they put him on Urinary SO by Royal Canine. He did fine with the food. A few months later we did another X-ray to see if he had anymore stones and he did not. However, they did find a herniated disc in his back. They put him on oral Prednisone to help with this issue. On Day 20 he developed an acute attack of Pancreatitis and almost died. After 2 weeks in the hospital, he pulled through. The doc suggested we put him on a low-fat food to get his diet right to keep the pancreatitis from returning because he couldn’t say 100% if the pancreatitis was from the new food, Urinary SO, or the Prednisone. So, he was put on Royal Canine Gastrointestinal Low-Fat. A few months later, peeing blood, took him in…more bladder stones. Had bladder stone removal surgery #2 and switched him back to the Urinary SO to prevent more stones. Several months later, he had another attack of pancreatitis. The only weird he did right before this was eat an apple he stole from my toddler. This time not as severe as the first because I brought him straight in. He recovered. Food was swapped AGAIN because the vet didn’t know if the apple or the SO food caused the pancreatitis so back to the Low-Fat Gastrointestinal, because the doc said Pancreatitis was more life threathening than the stones and we needed to focus on that. Well, he we are a few months later and last night he couldn’t urinate…took him to the emergency vet, said he had 20 stones in his bladder, 1 blocking his urine flow, and 2 in his penis. So, back to the vet this morning for his 3rd bladder stone removal surgery. Needless to say we are at our wits in with our baby Bandit. The thousands of dollars we have spent are insane, but he is our baby and not helping him is not an option. So…my question is…is there an answer for a dog who is suseptible to both Pancreatitis AND bladder stones??? No one seems to have an answer for us. Multiple vets have called the food manufacturers who don’t even have answers. If anyonr has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you soo much!!!

    #11644

    In reply to: Diet and Diabetes

    Shawna
    Member

    Quality fat has not been linked to the development of pancreatitis… Rancid fats for sure. I would assume that inappropriate types like hydrogenated sunflower oil are problematic too. But, fat doesn’t cause pancreatitis. It simply needs to be reduced when the pancreas is already inflammed. Just like protein doesn’t cause kidney disease but at some point it has to be lowered to help alleviate symptoms. NOT because it is causing the problem. Same with quality fat in pancreatitis.

    #11634

    In reply to: Diet and Diabetes

    soho
    Member

    Hi HDM and Patty

    On the EVO website the carbohydrate percentages are listed like this: Carbohydrates NFE (Max) 12.0 %. NFE stands for nitrogen free extract. Nitrogen free extract is what is left after the moisture, protein, fat, fiber, and minerals have been removed from the food.
    So it looks like the carbohydrates listed on EVO”s website are based on a dry matter calculation.

    Hi pugmomsandy

    Pancreatitis is inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. The causes of pancreatitis in dogs are still not that clear. Certain drugs like corticosteroids increase a dogs chance of getting pancreatitis.. Dogs with Cushing’s disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and some forms of hyperlipemia are also at increased risk to develop Pancreatitis. I am by no means an expert on pancreatitis.

    So although one of the causes of Pancreatitis may be a diet that is high in fat, the devastation that diabetes can cause to a dog has to be considered very carefully when choosing a diet for the diabetic dog. Choosing a diet based on carbohydrate content as long as the protein levels are adequate is NEVER “misleading” as you stated in your reply. Each dog is different and everything about the dog must be considered whether or not the dog has diabetes. That being said carbohydrates are the single most problematic ingredient for any dog with diabetes.

    #11629

    In reply to: Diet and Diabetes

    pugmomsandy
    Participant

    Dr Mike also uses 8% as ash although some are higher or lower. That still can’t account for the real fat content or protein content in a food as they are minumums.

    And looking for a food solely based on carb content for diabetes can be misleading or detrimental for some. There are some situations where just the lowest carbs are just not healthy for a dog such as a high fat diet or one with a fat-to-protein ratio above 100%. An active/working dog can handle that much better than a sedentary dog. So feeding a high fat but “low carb” food to the sedentary house dog with diabetes can end up with a dog that has both diabetes and pancreatitis.

    There’s never a one food fits all or look for one characteristic of a food that will work for all dogs with diabetes. And unfortunately if you don’t make your own food, you will never know the amount your feeding of fat from a commercial food.

    #11467
    Safe4pups
    Participant

    Make sure your dogs aren’t using smoked or cooked bones – raw is what you want. 🙂
    As for your budget, I have found that I can buy premium food online at MUCH better prices – including free shipping and NO tax! I have 3 dogs and 2 cats – 2 dogs on Nutrisca and the cats and 1 dog on Orijen and I pay about 23% less online.

    #11428
    crazy4cats
    Participant

    Hi Hound Dog Mom- I guess that all makes sense. Just grew up thinking all bones are dangerous for dogs. But, I did go to our local Mud Bay Pet food store yesterday and bought two marrow bones and a bag of turkey necks. Gave them the bones last night. Of course they loved them and woke up this morning looking for them! They are so aggressive, I was worried they would break a tooth! I will try the turkey necks later this week. I’m definitely gonna keep an eye on them. They are such gulpers. They have swallowed whole socks! We were told they are lab/retriever mix. But everyone says the one definitely looks like he has some blood hound also. And you know how they are about eating everything in site. Lol! They are a year and a half old. im hoping they will grow out of the chewing stage some day. I also checked out the raw food website that was recommended. I’ll have to say I was a little grossed out. But, prices did seemed cheaper than Mud Bay. I guess the days where it was recommended to only feed dogs kibble and to find one they liked and stick with it are over. Somehow I ended up with 4 cats and 2 dogs. (I can never say no to a cat) I’m trying to feed the best and still feed my human boys too. Lol! Thanks for the advise. I have learned a lot from this website. Maybe too much, our pet food budget has doubled.

    #11421
    Hound Dog Mom
    Participant

    Hi crazy4cats –

    That’s actually a very common question! Most people are under the impression that all poultry bones are dangerous for dogs – this isn’t true. Raw bones are safe for dogs and any cooked bone is dangerous for dogs. Some people think only cooked poultry bones are dangerous, but even those big cooked ham bones or marrow bones are dangerous. Cooked bones become brittle which causes them to splinter when chewed and not digest as well. The reason cooked poultry bones generally cause more problems than larger cooked bones is because they’re so small that dogs can crunch them up more easily, swallow them, and then experience problems such as intestinal perforations and blockages. A dog is definitely less likely to be able to chew up a heavy bone and experience problems, but a large dog or a powerful chewer could definitely break off a piece of a large cooked bone and then experience the same sort of problems that are experienced with cooked poultry bones. When bones are raw – this includes poultry bones – they are more pliable, a lot less likely to splinter and digest better. Animals in the wild obviously must eat raw poultry bones all the time and they aren’t dying from intestinal perforations of blockages. RMBs that are completely consumable (like turkey necks and chicken backs) are nature’s toothbrush! My dogs get RMBs every night at dinner. 🙂

    #11414
    crazy4cats
    Participant

    So, when giving a turkey neck or chicken back, do they eat the bones too? Is this safe? Sounds a little scarey. My dogs are such “gobblers”. I’m going to check out the website. Thanks for your suggestions.i really need to keep these dogs busy 🙂

    #11393
    Safe4pups
    Participant

    Stop at a butcher shop and ask for meaty marrow bones.

    #11389
    Hound Dog Mom
    Participant

    Hi crazy4cats –

    I would go with raw beef tracheas (I order mine from mypetcarnivore.com) – they last awhile. Turkey necks, chicken quarters, chicken backs, turkey feet, etc. are all great too but likely won’t last as long. They can be considered a meal. Knuckle bones and marrow bones are much harder but with an aggressive chewer I’d be careful as they’re so hard your dog could break a tooth.. Never cook bones, they should always be fed raw.

    #11388
    crazy4cats
    Participant

    Hi- I often see that many on this forum suggest giving raw meaty bones to their dogs. Which type of bones are the safest and where do you get them? If they still have meat on them, would they be considered a meal? Also, wondering if you should boil them or anything before giving to dogs. My dogs (lab mix) are extremely aggressive chewers and looking for something safe as well as something to keep them busy and satisfied for more than 5 minutes. Help!

    #11229

    In reply to: Vaccinating

    Toxed2loss
    Participant

    Hi Weimlove,
    I do think he’s good for life. But its what you think that matters. 🙂 So here’s an excerpt from a post I made to Shawna, some time ago, talking about adjuvants. Adjuvants are the toxins they add to vaccines to stimulate the immune system into freaking out and attacking the viruses like its life or death, rather than a natural reaction, from a natural encounter with the virus, which in most cases, you wouldn’t even notice your dog was sick. The problem being, the adjuvants are poisons. It’s these poisons that cause the adverse vaccine reactions. I’ve included an example of vaccine induced hives. The more you know about vaccines and how they work, the more comfortably you can make a decision. After all, there’s still a risk, either way. Dogs (some) do die of vaccine reactions. Vaccinated dogs (some) can still get the viruses they were vaccinated for, and some unvaccinated dogs do get the viruses. You have to decide which risk is greater.

    “vaccines are a significant and very real vector for impaired health in our pets. Here’s a couple of excerpts… Note the first one is on humans but multiple resources stated that adjuvants for humans are safer than for livestock… These examples are just a peek…

    >>>> Is it mere coincidence that rates of autism increased when the Center for Disease Control inserted additions to the recommended vaccination program for infants in 1988? In the 1980s, autism rates were estimated at only six in 10,000 children. Today one in 150 children is autistic, though in some areas autism affects closer to one in 50 children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged that thimerosal can be a neurotoxin (knowing very well that mercury is a neurotoxin), and in 2004 stated that thimerosal-containing vaccines were associated with autism.
    – Timeless Secrets of Health & Rejuvenation: Unleash The Natural Healing Power That Lies Dormant Within You by Andreas Moritz

    Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/027178_autism_vaccines.html#ixzz212cJmlYT”

    Adjuvants! Toxic adjuvants are a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases. Autism IS a neurodegenerative disease!!! Vaccines are one cause of autism… There are numerous other neurotoxins that cause autism as well. But this is a dog related site so firstI’ll give you the facts about adjuvants, then I’ll bring it back to vaccines in pets…

    “A Glimpse into the Scary World of Vaccine Adjuvants
    By Edda West – Published in VRAN Newsletter – Winter 2005

    http://www.vran.org
    Adjuvants are formulated compounds, which when combined with vaccine antigens intensify the body’s immune response. They are used to elicit an early, high and long-lasting immune response. “The chemical nature of adjuvants, their mode of action and their reactions (side effect) are highly variable in terms of how they affect the immune system and how serious their adverse effects are due to the resultant hyperactivation of the immune system. While adjuvants enable the use of less *antigen to achieve the desired immune response and reduce vaccine production costs, with few exceptions, adjuvants are foreign to the body and cause adverse reactions”, writes Australian scientist Viera Scheibner Ph.D, (1)

    The most common adjuvant for human use is an aluminum salt called alum derived from aluminum hydroxide, or aluminum phosphate. A quick read of the scientific literature reveals that the neurotoxic effects of aluminum were recognized 100 years ago. Aluminum is a neurotoxicant and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Prior to 1980, kidney patients undergoing long term dialysis treatments often suffered dialysis encephalopathy syndrome, the result of acute intoxication by the use of an aluminium-containing dialysate. This is now avoided using modern techniques of water purification. In preterm infants, prolonged intravenous feeding with solutions containing aluminum is associated with impaired neurologic development. Scientists speculate that aluminum neurotoxicity may be related to cell damage via free radical production, impairment of glucose metabolism, and effects on nerve signal transduction. (2) Vaccines which contain both aluminum adjuvants and mercury based preservative, greatly magnify the neurotoxic effects. (3)…” http://www.vaclib.org/basic/adjuvants.htm

    Immunology and Cell Biology (2004) 82, 488–496 Special Feature Vaccine adjuvants: Current state and future trends NIKOLAI PETROVSKY1 and JULIO CÉSAR AGUILAR2 1 Autoimmunity Research Unit, ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2061, Australia and Vaccines Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave. 31 e 158 y 190, Cubanacán, Apdo 6162, Ciudad, Habana, Cuba 2 Summary

    “… In addition, alum has the potential to cause severe local and systemic side-effects including sterile abscesses, eosinophilia and myofascitis, although fortunately most of the more serious side-effects are relatively rare. There is also community concern regarding the possible role of aluminium in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. ..

    …Adverse reactions to adjuvants can be classified as local or systemic. Important local reactions include pain, local inflammation, swelling, injection site necrosis, lymphadenopathy, granulomas, ulcers and the gen- eration of sterile abscesses. Systemic reactions include nausea, fever, adjuvant arthritis, uveitis, eosinophilia, allergy, anaphylaxis, organ specific toxicity and immunotoxicity (i.e. the liberation of cytokines, immunosuppression or auto- immune diseases).22,23 Unfortunately, potent adjuvant action is often correlated with increased toxicity, as exemplified by the case of FCA which although potent is too toxic for human use…

    …Adjuvant regulatory requirements Regulations for the human use of adjuvants are far more rigorous than those applied to veterinary vaccines..

    …Quil A has been used successfully for veterinary applications. 44 It is a natural product composed of more than 23 different saponins and is generally considered too toxic for human use…”

    Quil A is just one example of the more toxic adjuvants used. I choose this quote because it comes out and states it directly, leaving no room for misconstruing.
    —–
    And I came across this. Maybe when people post about their pets dermitis and paw licking (etc.) the first question should be about their vaccination schedule?

    “When a perfectly healthy individual is given viruses that cause illness, the animal is going to manifest illness-related symptoms. This healthy individual is asked to maintain a low-level stimulation of a state of distemper, a low level state of parvo, a low level state of rabies, and so on. As long as you are in a low level state of illness you are not in a high level state of health. Therefore, the vaccines provide protection by keeping the body in a diseased state of health. Often the animal will not manifest the illness it is vaccinated for, at least not in its acute form, but it will manifest in other conditions. Usually these conditions are inherited weaknesses.
    Chronic symptoms look very much like the acute illnesses but they are often not life-threatening unless allowed to continue for years and years.

    For distemper we often see:

    Watery fluid dripping from the nose
    Conjunctivitis, eye discharge, entropion
    Chronic gastritis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, appetite disorders
    Recurrent diarrhea
    Sensitivity to food with resultant diarrhea
    Epilepsy, rear leg paralysis, spondylitis
    Lip fold dermatitis
    Excessive licking of feet, eruptions between the toes, allergies
    Kennel cough, chronic bronchitis
    Chronic skin eruptions, especially lower half of body
    Failure to thrive, abnormally thin

    For rabies we often see:

    Restless nature, suspicion of others, aggression to animals and people
    Changes in behavior: aloofness, unaffectionate, desire to roam, OR clingy, separation anxiety, ‘velcro dog’
    Restraining can lead to violent behavior and self-injury
    Self-mutilation, tail chewing
    Voice changes, hoarseness, excessive barking
    Chronic poor appetite, very finicky
    Paralysis of throat or tongue, sloppy eaters, drooling
    Dry eye, loss of sight, cataract
    Eating wood, stones, earth, stool
    Destructive behavior, shredding bedding
    Seizures, epilepsy, twitching
    Increased sexual desire, sexual aggression
    Irregular pulse, heart failure
    Reverse sneezing

    Some of the illnesses you are familiar with include any auto-immune disease such as lupus, red cell aplasia, auto-immune hemolytic anemia cardiomyopathies; neoplasias such as fibrosarcomas, mast cell tumors, thyroid tumors, etc.; inflammatory bowel disease, eczematous ears, any dermatological condition, warts, lipomas, poor hair coats, stomatitis, periodontal disease, thyroid disease, and the list goes on and on.

    Now you could be wondering why I am so bold to ‘blame’ all these and more on vaccines. The reason is simple: I have an empirical, call it experimental lab where I visit daily and watch the animals, year after year. In the short years of my career I have seen the incredible increase in all these illnesses, some we never even learned in vet school. In fact, my vet school is now primarily an oncology treatment center! This was not the case a short 20 years ago. I have also spoken with many vets who have practiced longer than I and their response is the same. They did not see the level of chronic illness, nor the resistant and concretized type of illnesses that we see today. ” by: Dee Blanco who is a holistic veterinarian practicing in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

    ——

    « Vaccinations | Main | Adverse Reactions »

    Changing Vaccine Procotols – by W Jean Dodds, DVM

    The challenge to produce effective and safe vaccines for the prevalent infectious diseases of humans and animals has become increasingly difficult. In veterinary medicine, evidence implicating vaccines in triggering immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis) is compelling. While some of these problems have been traced to contaminated or poorly attenuated batches of vaccine that revert to virulence, others apparently reflect the host’s genetic predisposition to react adversely upon receiving the single (monovalent) or multiple antigen “combo” (polyvalent) products given routinely to animals. Animals of certain susceptible breeds or families appear to be at increased risk for severe and lingering adverse reactions to vaccines.

    The onset of adverse reactions to conventional vaccinations (or other inciting drugs, chemicals, or infectious agents) can be an immediate hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction, or can occur acutely (24-48 hours afterwards), or later on (10-45 days) in a delayed type immune response often caused by immune-complex formation. Typical signs of adverse immune reactions include fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, central and peripheral nervous system disorders or inflammation, collapse with autoagglutinated red blood cells and jaundice, or generalized pinpoint hemorrhages or bruises. Liver enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may accompany bone marrow suppression. Furthermore, recent vaccination of genetically susceptible breeds has been associated with transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs, as well as a variety of autoimmune diseases including those affecting the blood, endocrine organs, joints, skin and mucosa, central nervous system, eyes, muscles, liver, kidneys, and bowel. It is postulated that an underlying genetic predisposition to these conditions places other littermates and close relatives at increased risk. Vaccination of pet and research dogs with polyvalent vaccines containing rabies virus or rabies vaccine alone was recently shown to induce production of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, a provocative and important finding with implications for the subsequent development of hypothyroidism (Scott-Moncrieff et al, 2002).

    Vaccination also can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even healthy host that is repeatedly challenged with other environmental stimuli and is genetically predisposed to react adversely upon viral exposure. The recently weaned young puppy or kitten entering a new environment is at greater risk here, as its relatively immature immune system can be temporarily or more permanently harmed. Consequences in later life may be the increased susceptibility to chronic debilitating diseases.

    As combination vaccines contain antigens other than those of the clinically important infectious disease agents, some may be unnecessary; and their use may increase the risk of adverse reactions. With the exception of a recently introduced mutivalent Leptospira spp. vaccine, the other leptospirosis vaccines afford little protection against the clinically important fields strains of leptospirosis, and the antibodies they elicit typically last only a few months. Other vaccines, such as for Lyme disease, may not be needed, because the disease is limited to certain geographical areas. Annual revaccination for rabies is required by some states even though there are USDA licensed rabies vaccine with a 3-year duration. Thus, the overall risk-benefit ratio of using certain vaccines or multiple antigen vaccines given simultaneously and repeatedly should be reexamined. It must be recognized, however, that we have the luxury of asking such questions today only because the risk of disease has been effectively reduced by the widespread use of vaccination programs.

    Given this troublesome situation, what are the experts saying about these issues? In 1995, a landmark review commentary focused the attention of the veterinary profession on the advisability of current vaccine practices. Are we overvaccinating companion animals, and if so, what is the appropriate periodicity of booster vaccines ? Discussion of this provocative topic has generally lead to other questions about the duration of immunity conferred by the currently licensed vaccine components.

    In response to questions posed in the first part of this article, veterinary vaccinologists have recommended new protocols for dogs and cats. These include: 1) giving the puppy or kitten vaccine series followed by a booster at one year of age; 2) administering further boosters in a combination vaccine every three years or as split components alternating every other year until; 3) the pet reaches geriatric age, at which time booster vaccination is likely to be unnecessary and may be unadvisable for those with aging or immunologic disorders. In the intervening years between booster vaccinations, and in the case of geriatric pets, circulating humoral immunity can be evaluated by measuring serum vaccine antibody titers as an indication of the presence of immune memory. Titers do not distinguish between immunity generated by vaccination and/or exposure to the disease, although the magnitude of immunity produced just by vaccination is usually lower (see Tables).

    Except where vaccination is required by law, all animals, but especially those dogs or close relatives that previously experienced an adverse reaction to vaccination can have serum antibody titers measured annually instead of revaccination. If adequate titers are found, the animal should not need revaccination until some future date. Rechecking antibody titers can be performed annually, thereafter, or can be offered as an alternative to pet owners who prefer not to follow the conventional practice of annual boosters. Reliable serologic vaccine titering is available from several university and commercial laboratories and the cost is reasonable (Twark and Dodds, 2000; Lappin et al, 2002; Paul et al, 2003; Moore and Glickman, 2004).

    * Veterinary Medicine, February, 2002.
    References
    Dodds WJ. More bumps on the vaccine road. Adv Vet Med 41:715-732, 1999.
    Dodds WJ. Vaccination protocols for dogs predisposed to vaccine reactions. J Am An Hosp Assoc 38: 1-4, 2001.
    Hogenesch H, Azcona-Olivera J, Scott-Moncreiff C, et al. Vaccine-induced autoimmunity in the dog. Adv Vet Med 41: 733-744, 1999.
    Hustead DR, Carpenter T, Sawyer DC, et al. Vaccination issues of concern to practitioners. J Am Vet Med Assoc 214: 1000-1002, 1999.
    Kyle AHM, Squires RA, Davies PR. Serologic status and response to vaccination against canine distemper (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) of dogs vaccinated at different intervals. J Sm An Pract, June 2002.
    Lappin MR, Andrews J, Simpson D, et al. Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 220: 38-42, 2002.
    McGaw DL, Thompson M, Tate, D, et al. Serum distemper virus and parvovirus antibody titers among dogs brought to a veterinary hospital for revaccination. J Am Vet Med Assoc 213: 72-75, 1998.
    Moore GE, Glickman LT. A perspective on vaccine guidelines and titer tests for dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 224: 200-203. 2004.
    Mouzin DE, Lorenzen M J, Haworth, et al. Duration of serologic response to five viral antigens in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 224: 55-60, 2004.
    Mouzin DE, Lorenzen M J, Haworth, et al. Duration of serologic response to three viral antigens in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 224: 61-66, 2004.
    Paul MA. Credibility in the face of controversy. Am An Hosp Assoc Trends Magazine XIV(2):19-21, 1998.
    Paul MA (chair) et al. Report of the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force: 2003 canine vaccine guidelines, recommendations, and supporting literature. AAHA, April 2003, 28 pp.
    Schultz RD. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Vet Med 93:233-254, 1998.
    Schultz RD, Ford RB, Olsen J, Scott F. Titer testing and vaccination: a new look at traditional practices. Vet Med, 97: 1-13, 2002 (insert).
    Scott FW, Geissinger CM. Long-term immunity in cats vaccinated with an inactivated trivalent vaccine. Am J Vet Res 60: 652-658, 1999.
    Scott-Moncrieff JC, Azcona-Olivera J, Glickman NW, et al. Evaluation of antithyroglobulin antibodies after routine vaccination in pet and research dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 221: 515-521, 2002.
    Smith CA. Are we vaccinating too much? J Am Vet Med Assoc 207:421-425, 1995.
    Tizard I, Ni Y. Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc 213: 54-60, 1998.
    Twark L, Dodds WJ. Clinical application of serum parvovirus and distemper virus antibody titers for determining revaccination strategies in healthy dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 217:1021-1024, 2000.
    Posted on September 18, 2006 1:16 AM | Permalink
    ——–

    Vaccine adjuvants: Current state and future trends NIKOLAI PETROVSKY1 and JULIO CÉSAR AGUILAR2 1 Autoimmunity Research Unit, ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2061, Australia and Vaccines Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave. 31 e/158 y 190, Cubanacán, Apdo 6162, Ciudad, Habana, Cuba 2

    Summary
    The problem with pure recombinant or synthetic antigens used in modern day vaccines is that they are generally far less immunogenic than older style live or killed whole organism vaccines. This has created a major need for improved and more powerful adjuvants for use in these vaccines. With few exceptions, alum remains the sole adjuvant approved for human use in the majority of countries worldwide. Although alum is able to induce a good antibody (Th2) response, it has little capacity to stimulate cellular (Th1) immune responses which are so important for protection against many pathogens. In addition, alum has the potential to cause severe local and systemic side-effects including sterile abscesses, eosinophilia and myofascitis, although fortunately most of the more serious side-effects are relatively rare. There is also community concern regarding the possible role of aluminium in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, there is a major unmet need for safer and more effective adjuvants suitable for human use. In particular, there is demand for safe and non-toxic adjuvants able to stimulate cellular (Th1) immunity. Other needs in light of new vaccine technologies are adjuvants suitable for use with mucosally-delivered vaccines, DNA vaccines, cancer and autoimmunity vaccines. Each of these areas are highly specialized with their own unique needs in respect of suitable adjuvant technology. This paper reviews the state of the art in the adjuvant field, explores future directions of adjuvant development and finally examines some of the impediments and barriers to development and registration of new human adjuvants.
    —–

    Vaccination Reactions: How to Handle an Anaphylactic Reaction due to a Vaccine
    Posted on: March 7, 2011
    Vaccine reactions! They are such a scary event. In fact, vaccination induced reactions creates anxiety not only for the pet owner, but the patient and veterinarian too.

    This page displays one example of a dog with a vaccine reaction to a rabies vaccine, manufactured by a reputable and professional veterinary pharmaceutical company and administered subcutaneously as recommended. Twelve months prior to the rabies vaccine given in this example, the dog (a three-year-old Dachshund) was vaccinated with a multivalent vaccine containing Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Corona and Parvo virus antigens. A mild reaction occurred to that vaccine administration. It is unknown to which fraction of that vaccine the dog reacted.

    Prior to this incident, the owners were fully informed about potential vaccine reactions and what to do if another one occurred. They requested a rabies vaccine only (they decided against giving further multivalent vaccinations) in order to conform to local ordinances and to ensure against possible infection from rabies due to the abundant wildlife present in the dog’s environment. The vaccine was administered after a discussion of potential good and undesirable effects of a vaccine.

    Two hours after the Rabies vaccine was administered the dog was readmitted for itching and head-shaking, and the presence of “hives” on the dog’s face and head. These eruptions on the skin, called a urticarial reaction, are rounded swollen raised areas of skin tissue that have responded locally to the administration of a substance to which the dog is allergic.

    Hives are caused when the body releases histamine from a cell called a mast cell. The histamine then causes leaking of fluid into the surrounding body tissues from the small blood vessels and stimulates the nearby nerve endings producing the itching sensation. The dog was breathing normally but was uncomfortable. Fortunately the vast majority of vaccine reactions in the dog are similar to this case where the targeted tissue is the skin.

    Though rare, the tracheal, laryngeal and bronchial tissues can swell, causing a constricted, spastic airway and breathing difficulties — all of which can have life-threatening consequences.
    http://m.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_vaccination_reactions

    Rabies Challenge Fund

    Why Challenge Current Rabies Vaccine Policy?

    Rabies vaccination is required by law in nearly all areas. Even though protection from rabies is documented to last at least three years, current law in some states or areas still requires that boosters be given annually or biannually rather than the standard policy of every three years. However, vaccination against rabies virus is occasionally associated with debilitating adverse effects. According to the CDC domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid. Scientific data indicate that vaccinating dogs against rabies every three years, as most states require, is unnecessary.
    Studies have shown the duration of protective immunity as measured by serum antibody titers against rabies virus to persist for seven years post-vaccination. By validating the ‘true’ life of rabies virus immunity and moving to five and hopefully seven years, we will decrease the risk of adverse reactions in our animals and minimize their repeated exposure to foreign substances. Killed vaccines like those for rabies virus can trigger both immediate and delayed adverse vaccine reactions (termed “vaccinosis”). While there may be immediate hypersensitivity reactions, other acute events tend to occur 24-72 hours afterwards, or up to 45 days later in the case of delayed reactions.
    Reactions that have been documented include:
    Behavior changes such as aggression and separation anxiety
    Obsessive behavior,self-mutilation, tail chewing
    Pica – eating wood, stones, earth, stool
    Destructive behavior, shredding bedding
    Seizures, epilepsy
    Fibrosarcomas at injection site
    Autoimmune diseases such as those affecting bone marrow and blood cells, joints, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system
    Muscular weakness and or atrophy
    Chronic digestive problems

    Rabies Exemptions and Waivers
    Rabies Vaccination is required by law. In some instances, it is possible to secure a written waiver for exemption from rabies booster vaccination. A letter justifying the medical reason for such exemption needs to be obtained from your primary care veterinarian. When seeking a waiver, a rabies serum antibody titer should be performed. Adequate serum rabies titers are at least 1:5 by the RFFIT method. Waiver requests are not generally accepted based on serum antibody titers alone, but may be granted on a case-by-case basis with justification. Waivers are not granted as a matter of personal preference, and localities often do not permit waivers and exemptions regardless of the justification.”

    I have more if you need it… (I tend to overwhelm people with data. GFETE (Grinning From Ear To Ear)

    #11148
    sophia
    Participant

    She’s has never taken any interest in actual bones, I think they’re to hard for her.

    I’ve heard that the Blue Buffalo brand, although a good brand, can just be too rich for some dogs, and I just have a feeling my dog would be one of them. The Nutrisca actually looks very good except I think a fat content of 16% may be too high (?). I have looked for Grandma Lucys before but have not been able to find it around here! The Honest Kitchen looks like something she will do very well on though, I plan to try and find a smaller bag to test it out this weekend, thanks everyone!!

    #11114
    Safe4pups
    Participant

    By the way – have you tried a good raw bone? I wouldn’t leave the marrow in it because of her compromised immune system, but a good, clean, raw bone can keep a dogs chewing instinct satisfied as well as keep the teeth clean.

    #11113
    Safe4pups
    Participant

    Hi Sophia – both of my allergy prone dogs use Nutrisca which is grain and potato free. They both have environmental allergies and one has a potato sensitivity, and one has pancreatitis. Grains and potatoes both aggravate allergies and feed yeast. I have used both the Salmon and Chicken varieties. I also use Orijen for another dog but it may be too rich for your pup – unless it’s the senior formula. Honestly, my girl is 10 and has suffered since she was a puppy and she has done measureably better on Nutrisca – and I have spared no expense trying to find the right food for her – including a home cooked diet.
    ~Tracey

    #11089
    Hound Dog Mom
    Participant

    Sophia –

    Melissa had some good suggestions. In addition to her’s, I’d also recommend checking into The Honest Kitchen’s Zeal formula. It’s a pretty allergy-friendly food (grain-free, white potato free, uses fish which is a novel protein), it’s under 10% fat and rated 5 stars.

    #11088

    Hi Sophia-

    Try Blue Buffalo Wilderness Weight management(something to that effect, lol ) The fat content, if I recall is 10% and even our most fat sensitive dog could eat it just fine-Another food to try is Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance-chicken-its dehydrated and 8% or so fat. We use it as a topper several times a week.

    #11018
    sophia
    Participant

    Thanks for all the suggestions!

    Tracey- can you tell me which brand of grain free food your feeding? She also suffers from allergies, I don’t believe they’re food related, however I’m wanting to try grain free to see if it provides any relief. I’ve been looking around a little, but I obviously need something low in fat. Her current food, Cal. Naturals, only has 8% fat, I’d love to keep it below 10%, any ideas?

    #10964
    Safe4pups
    Participant

    Hello Sophia~ Personally, I would never use rawhide nor bully sticks – they both have obstruction history and the dried penis is an organ that dogs have no need for, is usually imported and can include chemicals.
    I have a dog with the same issues – I keep her on Denamarin, Bactaquin and feed her a high grade, grain free food. For treats she gets Get Naked Gut or Low Cal Health Chews, Zukes Apple Crisp bones and Zoe Lifestyle Dog Treats.
    ~Tracey

    #10961
    Jackie B
    Member

    Z Bones are supposed to be good for dogs with pancreatitis. They are made by Zuke’s company.

    #10789

    Hi Sophia-

    All dogs are different of course, but I have never had a problem with rawhide and dogs with pancreatitis issues. On the other hand, marrow bones(even with it scooped out) can not be tolerated with mine.

    #10780
    sophia
    Participant

    she had extremely bad gas one day (like every minute) so I got her into the vet. We had just gotten a new kitten so we thought maybe she got into her food. The vet sent us home with medicine and said to put her on chicken and rice for a few days. She had loose orangish stool for a day or two, and then none at all, so we decided to go back to the vet. The vet was concerned about possible bile in the stool, as she didn’t see any blood, so we did a blood test to check on her liver. Since we were doing the blood test, and it had been about 6 months since her last one I decided just to do the fullest test to be sure, the only thing that came back was slightly elevated pancreas enzyme.

    I got her a bully stick though, and she absolutely loves it! It doesn’t seem to be bothering her stomach, and she’s had the same one for about 3 days, and only eaten like 20% of it, so the little fat content it does have doesn’t worry me to much. I guess I meant chew treats though, as the bully stick is even a tiny bit hard for her, so I don’t think she would do well with a bone. thank you for the ideas though!

    #10702
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    what are the symptoms of pancreatis that led you to get tested for it? I heard folks scoop out some of the marrow in the bones

    #10428
    sophia
    Participant

    Hound Dog Mom-
    really just anything healthy she can chew on that a sort of picky dog might like. She has allergies, and I am working with my vet to treat these, but the bone seemed to take her mind off of chewing on her feet. She is older so she’s not extremely active, so giving her something to keep her occupied was a treat as well.

    I will check all of your suggestions. I honestly don’t know anything about bones or dental sticks, in all the years I’ve had her she would never chew on any bone I’d given her, so I was surprised when she took such a liking to this one (plus I don’t eat meat myself, so figuring out what parts of animals has more fat and what part doesn’t has been a learning process for me). I’m sure in the options you’ve listed we can find something though! Thanks so much for the help!

    #10426
    Hound Dog Mom
    Participant

    Hi Sophia –

    Are you talking about real bones or dental chews?

    As far as real bones, most are quite high in fat due to the marrow. I’d stick with turkey necks, chicken necks or duck necks (raw) with the skin removed. You may be able to find some lean beef neck bones, my butcher carries them sometimes.

    If you’re referring to chew type treats, bully sticks are pretty low fat. If your dog likes antlers, they’re very long lasting and since most dogs actually can’t “eat” them you wouldn’t have to worry about fat content. Himalayan chews are low fat and long lasting as well.

    #10423
    sophia
    Participant

    My dog had a very mild pancreatitis reaction about two months ago. She just had some gas and loose stool, but tests showed elevated pancreas enzymes. Since I have been so careful with her diet, she is on low fat food, she gets boiled chicken or carrots as little treats, and that’s about it. However, the other day someone gave her a rawhide. She loved it and chewed on it for hours, but after I researched how this might affect her I had to take it away (apparently raw hides are no good for any dog, much less one with her history). What I am wondering is if there are any bones safe for dogs with her history? She’s an older girl, so something a little softer (like the softness of a rawhide) would be great. Thanks!

Viewing 49 results - 851 through 899 (of 899 total)